The Only Way To Do Great Work Is To Love What You Do.
Too often, we choose careers or vocations based on money, societal status, or parental expectations. While these motivations are not inherently wrong, they are rarely enough to carry us through difficult times.
Eunice Ekwunazu
8/5/20253 min read


The Only Way To Do Great Work Is To Love What You Do.
Passion Is the Fuel for Greatness
Hello GOA community 😊,
Today, I’m sharing something very dear to me — the simple but powerful truth that the only way to do great work is to love what you do. This principle doesn’t just apply to famous entrepreneurs or people in glamorous careers; it applies to you, to me, and to everyone seeking to live a fulfilled and impactful life.
Too often, we choose careers or vocations based on money, societal status, or parental expectations. While these motivations are not inherently wrong, they are rarely enough to carry us through difficult times. It’s passion that keeps us grounded and resilient when the journey becomes tough.
Why Passion Matters More Than Paychecks
Money may get you started, but it won’t keep you going.
In many communities, especially here in Africa, young people are often pressured into professions such as medicine, law, or the priesthood — not because they love these fields, but because their parents believe those careers are the surest paths to respect and success.
A common phrase I’ve heard is: “I want to be called the mother of a doctor” or “the father of a lawyer.” But what happens when the child has no love for that profession? What happens when challenges arise? More often than not, they burn out, quit, or live a life of quiet frustration.
My Journey in Tech: Fueled by Passion
When I began my journey in tech, I chose data analysis — not because someone forced me into it or because it promised quick money, but because I genuinely love solving problems. I find joy in discovering patterns, cleaning data, and bringing meaning out of raw numbers. That joy kept me going when the road got hard.
During my training, many of my colleagues dropped out. Some found the lessons — especially coding in Python — too challenging and overwhelming. I was tempted to quit too. But my passion told me: “You’re doing what you love. Don’t give up.”
So I pushed myself.
I studied at least one hour daily.
I watched free YouTube tutorials.
I asked questions, even when I felt shy.
I practiced consistently.
And it paid off.
Real-Life Lessons: Everyone Doesn’t Have to Follow the Same Path
I’ve seen gifted teenagers create beautiful art, write music, paint portraits, tailor dresses, and build with their hands. Their skill is breathtaking — not because they’re geniuses, but because they love what they do and practice it often.
One of my favorite examples is my younger brother. As a child, he would build houses from cartons and adhesive tapes — purely out of passion. After secondary school, he bought a JAMB form and confidently declared: “I want to study Civil Engineering.” We supported him wholeheartedly because we had seen his consistent love and skill in this area from a young age.
Today, he is a graduate of Civil Engineering and is thriving.
Not everyone has to be a doctor, lawyer, or pilot. In fact, society only works when people embrace diverse vocations — tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, graphic design, caregiving, and so much more. These roles are equally valuable and honorable when done with excellence.
Vital Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Career
Before you commit to that career, trade, or vocation, pause and ask yourself these important questions:
Do I genuinely love this career path?
Am I choosing this because I want it, or because someone else wants it for me?
Can I endure the mental and physical stress that comes with this profession?
Will I still want to do this even when things get tough or the money is slow?
These are not questions for your parents, friends, or mentors to answer. They are your questions — and you owe yourself honest answers.
The Final Word: Passion Makes the Difference
Yes, money is important. We all want to earn a decent living. But don’t let money be your only motivation. Because when money is delayed — and it often is — only your love for the work will keep you going.
When you love what you do:
You become more creative.
You push yourself to grow.
You find fulfillment beyond salary.
And eventually, the money follows your excellence.
So, beloved brother or sister, chase your dream — not just the reward. The only way to do great work is truly to love what you do.
Stay passionate, stay strong, and keep growing.
🖋️ Presented by Ekwunazu Eunice
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